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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Macondo’s MiniMe or about Pilot Acoustic Systems

Post Subject: Nearfield friendly?Posted by floobydust on: 2/16/2009

Paul,

Points well taken. The F120A is listed as a FR driver. In my humble view, it does quite well for it's size, albeit the last two octaves will not be in full force (okay, the last octave is mostly MIA). It's lower sensitivity does not imply it's hard to drive... quite the opposite. It's an easy drive with a zero feedback SET and does not suffer from some of the problems of multi-way systems with complex crossovers being driven by such an amplifier.

It has a very flat and peak-free response that extends beyond 15KHz, you get the benefit of the single driver concept, but you suffer from the low frequency extension (size does matter at some point). It provides a neutral presentation and delivers well on low-level detail unlike many other (Fostex) FR drivers. You even get the crisp sizzle on cymbals as an example, but none of the typical upper midrange shout common with many of the FE and FF series (which drives me nuts in a short timeframe).

Due to it's size and sensitivity it could easily make for a nice nearfield monitor with 4- to 8-watts... maybe less. The Alnico magnet assembly (IMHO) is what makes these more unique when compared to the FX120... and the build quality and robustness (for such a small driver) does make this a much better driver (compared to the FE and FF series) but they do cost a lot more. Of all the smaller Fostex drivers, these are by far my favorite. Yes, they have their limitations, but they have their good points as well.

Regards, KM

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